Lock-in slide rack

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for securing an object on a frame, wherein the object comprises a surface for displaying a sample. The apparatus can comprise a first clamping member movably mounted on a frame, wherein the first clamping member changes from an open position to a closed position to secure an object on the frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for securing an object on a frame, wherein the object comprises a surface for displaying a sample, the apparatus comprising:
 a first clamping member movably mounted on a frame;   wherein the first clamping member changes from an open position to a closed position to secure an object on the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first locking member located on the first clamping member; and   a second locking member located on the frame.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first clamping member is rotatably mounted on the frame; and   rotation of the first clamping member in a first direction allows the first locking member to engage with the second locking member so that the first clamping member changes from the open position to the closed position.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein rotation of the first clamping member in a second direction allows the first locking member to disengage from the second locking member so that the first clamping member changes from the closed position to the open position. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first locking member includes an extrusion, and the second locking member includes a slot. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein engagement of the first locking member with the second locking member allows the extrusion to fit into the slot. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first clamping member is mounted close to a first side of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a second clamping member rotatably mounted close to a second side of the frame. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein:
 a third locking member located on the second clamping member; and   a fourth locking member located on the frame;   wherein rotation of the second clamping member in a second direction allows the third locking member to engage with the fourth locking member.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein:
 a third locking member located on the second clamping member and extending above the frame;   extension of the third locking member above the frame allows at least part of the object to be inserted between the third locking member and the frame.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein engagement of the first locking member with the second locking member secures the object close to a bottom of the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the frame includes:
 a plurality of elongated base members extending along a second direction in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship; and   a plurality of elongated wall members extending along a third direction in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship, the wall members attached to the base members, the third direction being perpendicular to the second direction.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the wall members extend along a fourth direction in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship, the fourth direction being perpendicular to the second direction and the third direction. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first clamping member is located on an elongated base member, and the second locking member is located on an elongated wall member. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first locking member located on the first clamping member; and   a second locking member located on a frame;   wherein mounting the first clamping member movably onto the frame allows the first locking member to engage with the second locking member so that the first clamping member changes from the open position to the closed position.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the first clamping member is movably mounted onto the frame by bending the first clamping member to allow the first locking member to engage with the second locking member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the first clamping member is bent to allow the first locking member to disengage from the second locking member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second clamping member fixedly mounted on the frame to constrain the object. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame has one or more openings for a fluid to flow in contact with the object. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for securing an object on a frame, wherein the object comprises a surface for displaying a sample, the apparatus comprising:
 a first clamping member rotatably mounted on a frame;   a first locking member located on the first clamping member; and   a second locking member located on the frame;   wherein rotation of the first clamping member in a first direction allows the first locking member to engage with the second locking member to secure an object on the frame.   
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for securing an object on a frame, wherein the object comprises a surface for displaying a sample, the apparatus comprising:
 a first clamping member;   a first locking member located on the first clamping member; and   a second locking member located on a frame;   wherein mounting the first clamping member movably onto the frame allows the first locking member to engage with the second locking member to secure an object on the frame.